THE WALL OF FACES

James Bingenheimer
Date of death: March 15, 1971
Home of record: Atlantic City New Jersey
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant James Bingenheimer (MCSN: 2145060), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Patrol Leader with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 15 March 1971, while leading a patrol in the Charlie Ridge area of Quang Nam Province, Sergeant Bingenheimer initiated an ambush against a North Vietnamese Army soldier and killed him as he attempted to escape. After searching the body and finding documents containing information of intelligence value, he elected to move his reconnaissance team to an alternate location lest other enemy soldiers in the area be attracted to the ambush site by the sound of gunfire. As the patrol moved away, the Marines heard hostile movement nearby. Quickly deploying his men into effective fighting positions, Sergeant Bingenheimer fearlessly moved about the defensive perimeter to ensure that every possible enemy avenue of approach was clearly discernible and, while so doing, sustained two serious wounds when hostile soldiers concealed in the heavy jungle growth opened fire on his team. Responding immediately to the assault, he shouted encouragement and fire directions to his men and, although suffering intense pain, valiantly waged a vigorous defense of the position until the enemy was forced to retreat. When the fire fight was over, the Corpsman and assistant patrol leader, observing that Sergeant Bingenheimer was a casualty, rushed to his aid but, despite their intensive first aid efforts, he succumbed to his wounds. By his courage, heroic initiative, and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger. Sergeant Bingenheimer upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Action Date: March 15, 1971

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Sergeant

Company: Company A

Battalion: 1st Reconnaissance Battalion

Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

Dear SGT James Bingenheimer, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

i served with bing in 1st recon. we were very good friends. I called the field marshall. i received a letter from him after i rotated from nam. in it he told me that he was going to scuba school in dec of 1970. bing i glad you got to go, I know how much you wanted to go to the school.

On this day in RVN [March 14, 1971] I with the help of another Marine carried My team leader SGT Bingenheimer down off charlie ridge

Semper Fi
To my [Band of Brothers] It was an Honor to have served .......
A.L. Belluscio

James is buried at Beverly Nat Cem.